New Law Passed Giving Workers The Right To Request More Predictable Working Patterns

On 18 September 2023 the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 received Royal Assent and became law. The Act gives workers (and agency workers) a statutory right to request more "predictable" working patterns. Our briefing explains what the new right involves and the steps that employers will need to take to prepare.

When will a worker be able to make a request?

It is expected that workers will need six months' service in order to be eligible to make a request, although this will not need to be continuous service. The service requirement will be set out in regulations which have yet to be published.

Where eligible, workers will be able to request a more predictable working pattern where their current work pattern lacks certainty in terms of hours, days and/or times worked. "Work pattern" also covers the length of the contract, and a presumption is made that a fixed-term contract of under 12 months lacks predictability. The purpose of the request